Love Island finalist and local Cheltonian Chris Hughes will undergo training to become a jockey, after signing up for a charity race to help fund Macmillan Cancer Support.
The reality star has been backed by bookmakers Coral, who have signed him up as an ambassador, and he will be competing in the Best Western Hotels and Macmillan Ride of their Lives contest at York Racecourse on June 16th.
A genuine lover of horses and riding, Hughes said:
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t fancy my chances. I’m looking forward to it, it’ll be a good challenge and it makes me want to train hard and make sure I’m fully prepared for the race.”
There’s one thing having a love for horses, but to race in front of a crowd of 25,000 is another story.
Saying this, Chris does have all the right people and right facilities around him to have a real chance in this race. The 25-year-old will train with Jonjo O’Neill, who won the Cheltenham Gold Cup as a jockey and a trainer, and will be training at Jackdaws Castle, a state of the art facility located in the Cotswolds.
Hughes said:
“I love horse racing and grew up riding with my friends in Cheltenham.
“I’m really excited to be working with Coral and very grateful to Jonjo O’Neill for his support, as I prepare for entering the Best Western Hotels and Macmillan Ride of their Lives race at York Racecourse.
“I always wanted to become a jockey as a kid, and Coral is helping make my dream come true. But I don’t just want to take part – I want to really go for it, and try to win my first race as a jockey!”
It’ll be interesting to see how Hughes fairs in this race, but with his riding background and elite support, he could have a great chance.
